The academy halls were quieter in the late afternoon.
Not quiet—just quieter. That particular kind of hush where footsteps echoed a little more than they should and conversations seemed to flatten out midair. Not many students wandered these back corridors unless they were lost or trying to avoid someone.
Lindarion walked in silence.
Cael'arion walked beside him, somehow managing to look both regal and apologetic at the same time.
'It's like traveling with a decorative wall. If the wall kept offering to duel people on your behalf.'
They passed the edge of the eastern corridor, where a few lower-year students were still huddled over their alchemy notes, whispering.
One of them looked up as they passed—eyes widening at the sight of Cael'arion's crest.
The elf didn't react.
Lindarion, on the other hand, made a mental note to start using side exits.
'At this rate I'm going to start appearing in rumors I didn't even participate in.'
